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DANGEROUS & SENSITIVE
CARGO MANAGEMENT

In early 2015, the Dangerous & Sensitive Cargo delivery of the goods to their ultimate receiver. Over-
Management System (DSCM) project was initiated via all, it delivers correct cargo segregation, improved con-
the creation of a steering committee comprised of the trol of ports, terminals and vessels restrictions, more
experts of the relevant divisions. It was sponsored by efficient weight control, and complete control of the
MSC’s Chief Operating Officer. The committee includes technical and chemical data. The entire process was
the head of the Information Technology Department, automated to avoid human error. The system is super-
the leading expert in Hazardous Cargoes and the Legal vised by a team of five experts representing an extra
and Claims Department. With the support of MSC’s level of safety, to avoid systemic failures.
senior management as well as the efforts and strong MSC is also proud to count within its organisation,
collaboration of the relevant departments, the first phase a highly specialised chemical support department
of the DSCM was successfully implemented in 2016. based in Antwerp, Belgium. This department ensures
MSC thoroughly analyses all incidents and continu ously that MSC’s shipments meet the stringent compliance
adapts its loss prevention programmes by accepting requirements of the IMO International Maritime Danger-
or rejecting certain cargoes posing inappropriate ous Goods (IMDG) Code. MSC’s experts are fully com-
direct or indirect risks to people and assets. This effort petent and able to deal with any type of contingency.
made MSC compliant to the ISO 9001:2015 standard With this specialised team of chemists constantly
related to the requirements of risk assessment and available, MSC ensures that every chemical cargo on
management. MSC is managing all significant board our vessels, as well as all the other containers,
incidents directly, resulting in a direct and fast are properly stowed and shipped as per all applicable
approach, reducing risks to people and the environment. safety requirements. MSC has deep expertise in deliv-
This technology, developed internally, allows MSC to ering containerised chemical cargoes swiftly and safely.
analyse and handle bookings of dangerous cargo per In 2016, MSC invested in a new Dangerous Cargo
applicable regulations in less than two minutes. There training platform for agencies on dangerous cargo
is no other shipping line with a shorter response time. handling, taking this opportunity to raise awareness
This system allows MSC to control and monitor 100% across the company. The second phase of the DSCM
of dangerous goods cargoes from the acceptance of the system is planned for September 2017 and will address
booking through the loading at the terminal and until the sensitive cargoes.

68 HEALTH AND SAFETY MSC SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2016 69